Description
LL-37 is an antimicrobial peptide. It has been shown to have antimicrobial activity against many human Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) could potentially serve as an alternative to antibiotics. It’s simple, AMPs kill microbial pathogens (bugs). AMPs can probably regulate bacterial/viral invasion and control the infection. It has been reported that AMPs can be used to activate the innate immune response of the mucosa to get rid of infections. (Mucosal refers to the immune response of the mucous membranes of the intestines, genitourinary tract and respiratory system, i.e., surfaces that come into contact with the external environment.) LL-37 belongs to the cathelicidin family of AMPs. It is released as a mature peptide when neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) are stimulated. LL-37 is expressed in a variety of cells and tissues, such as circulating neutrophils, bone marrow cells, skin epithelial cells, gastrointestinal cells, as well as epididymal and lung cells.
